E-Newsletter

Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium

Nontuberculous mycobacterium infections are caused by a germ commonly found in water and soil. Nobody knows why the germ makes some people sick and does not affect others, but doctors believe that people with underlying diseases or damaged lungs are most likely to get these infections. Nontuberculous infections are not contagious but can be very serious. Some people need at least a year of treatment with strong antibiotics.